What is the name for one half of a chromosome?
1. Protein
2. Centromere
3. Chromatid
4. Gene
3 chromatid
The correct answer is 3. Chromatid.
To determine this, let's break down the options:
1. Protein: Proteins are macromolecules composed of amino acids, and they play various roles in the body. While proteins are present in chromosomes, they are not specifically associated with one half of a chromosome.
2. Centromere: The centromere is a specialized region of a chromosome that holds the two sister chromatids together. It is essential for proper chromosome segregation during cell division, but it is not one half of a chromosome.
3. Chromatid: A chromatid refers to one of the two identical and closely associated DNA strands formed by DNA replication that are held together by a centromere. Therefore, one half of a chromosome is called a chromatid.
4. Gene: A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for the synthesis of a specific protein or functional RNA molecule. While genes are located on chromosomes, they represent specific sequences of DNA and are not synonymous with one half of a chromosome.
Thus, the answer is 3. Chromatid.